Analyte sensor and analyte sensing method

ABSTRACT

There are provided an analyte sensor and an analyte sensing method which provide measurements in a wide phase range, a reduction in size, and lowering of current consumption. That is, in an analyte sensor and an analyte sensing method, a detection element (110) which outputs a detection signal in accordance with a change in mass in a detection portion (111) and a reference element (120) which outputs a reference signal in accordance with a change in mass in a reference portion (121) are provided, a phase change value is determined from the detection signal and the reference signal by heterodyne system, and an amount of detection of a target is calculated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/894,885, filed on Feb. 29, 2016, which is a 371 of PCT/JP2014/058559,filed Mar. 26, 2014, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 toJapanese Patent Application No. 2013-113969, filed on May 30, 2013,entitled “Analyte Sensor and Analyte Sensing Method,” the contents ofwhich are each incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an analyte sensor capable of measuringproperties of an analyte or a target contained in an analyte, as well asto an analyte sensing method.

BACKGROUND ART

There is known a surface acoustic wave sensor for measuring propertiesor ingredients of a liquid which is an analyte, by means of a surfaceacoustic wave device.

The surface acoustic wave sensor, which is constructed of apiezoelectric substrate on which is mounted a detecting section whichreacts with a component contained in an analyte sample, detectsproperties or ingredients of a liquid which is an analyte by measuringelectric signals responsive to variations in surface acoustic wave (SAW)propagating through the detecting section (for example, refer to PatentLiterature 1).

The SAW sensor disclosed in Patent Literature 1 measures theconcentration of an analyte by detecting a phase difference in SAW. Aquadrature modulation system is customarily adopted for phase differencemeasurement from the standpoint of an extended measurable phase range(for example, refer to Non Patent Literature 1).

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication JP-A    2008-122105

Non Patent Literature

-   Non Patent Literature 1: “Development of Novel SAW Liquid Sensing    System with SAW Signal Generator”, the IEICE technical report, The    Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers,    February, 2003

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

However, the quadrature modulation system poses the following problems:the number of components constituting the system is so large that systemdownsizing is difficult; and the number of digital processing steps isso large that current consumption is increased.

In light of this, an analyte sensor which is compact in size andfeatures lower current consumption, and an analyte sensing method havebeen sought after.

Solution to Problem

An analyte sensor in accordance with the embodiment of the inventioncomprises: a detection element having a detection portion whichundergoes a change in mass in response to adsorption of a targetcontained in an analyte or reaction with the target, the detectionelement outputting a detection signal which is an AC signal responsiveto the change in mass in the detection portion; a reference elementhaving a reference portion which does not adsorb the target or does notreact with the target, the reference element outputting a referencesignal which is an AC signal serving as a reference relative to thedetection signal; a branching section which branches one of thedetection signal and the reference signal into a first signal and asecond signal, and branches the other signal of the detection signal andthe reference signal into a third signal and a fourth signal; a firstcomputation portion which derives a first measurement signal from thefirst signal and the third signal by heterodyne system; a secondcomputation portion which derives a second measurement signal from thesecond signal and the fourth signal by heterodyne system, the secondmeasurement signal being different in a phase-difference from the firstmeasurement signal excluding differences of ±180°; a measurement sectionwhich calculates two first candidate phase change values from the firstmeasurement signal and calculates two second candidate phase changevalues from the second measurement signal, and determines a combinationof a first candidate phase change value and a second candidate phasechange value that are closest to each other among combinations of thetwo first candidate phase change values and the two second candidatephase change values, and defines the first candidate phase change valueand the second candidate phase change value of the combination as afirst phase change value and a second phase change value, respectively;and a selection section which selects a phase change value from thefirst phase change value and the second phase change value, the phasechange value being closer to a reference value in terms of signal outputvalue.

An analyte sensing method in accordance with the embodiment of theinvention comprises: an analyte solution supply step of feeding ananalyte solution containing an analyte with a target to a detectionportion comprising a detection element that undergoes a change in massin response to adsorption of the target or reaction with the target, anda reference portion comprising a reference element that does not adsorbthe target or does not react with the target; a branching step ofbranching one of a detection signal which is an AC signal responsive tothe change in mass in the detection portion outputted from the detectionelement and a reference signal which is an AC signal based on a mass ofthe reference portion outputted from the reference element into a firstsignal and a second signal, and branching the other signal of thedetection signal and the reference signal into a third signal and afourth signal; a first computation step of deriving a first measurementsignal from the first signal and the third signal by heterodyne system;a second computation step of deriving a second measurement signal fromthe second signal and the fourth signal by heterodyne system, the secondmeasurement signal being different in a phase-difference from the firstmeasurement signal excluding differences of ±180°; a measurement step ofcalculating two first candidate phase change values from the firstmeasurement signal, calculating two second candidate phase change valuesfrom the second measurement signal, determining a combination of a firstcandidate phase change value and a second candidate phase change valuethat are closest to each other among combinations of the two firstcandidate phase change values and the two second candidate phase changevalues, and defining the first candidate phase change value and thesecond candidate phase change value of the combination as a first phasechange value and a second phase change value, respectively; and aselection step of selecting a phase change value from the firstmeasurement signal and the second measurement signal, the phase changevalue being closer to a reference value in terms of signal output value.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

An analyte sensor and an analyte sensing method in accordance with theembodiment of the invention are capable of measurements in a wide phaserange, a reduction in size, and lowering of current consumption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of an analyte sensor inprinciple in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory drawing of a signal processingoperation based on heterodyne system;

FIG. 3A is a plot schematically indicating the loci of first and secondmeasurements signals, and FIG. 3B is a plot indicating a locus of aselected measurement signal;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the analyte sensor in accordance withthe first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a partly cutaway perspective view of the analyte sensor shownin FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A is a sectional view taken along the line VIa-VIa shown in FIG.4, and FIG. 6B is a sectional view taken along the line VIb-VIb shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the analyte sensor shown in FIG. 4, with part ofthe analyte sensor removed;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the structure of the analyte sensor inprinciple in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the structure of the analyte sensor inprinciple in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the analysis sensor in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the structure of the analyte sensorin principle in accordance with still another embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of an analyte sensor according to the inventionwill be described in detail with reference to drawings. In each drawingwhich will hereafter be described, identical constituent members areidentified with the same reference symbols. Moreover, the size of eachmember, the distance between the members, and so forth are schematicallydepicted and may therefore be different from the actual measurements.

Moreover, although each side of the analyte sensor may be either anupper side or a lower side, in the following description, for purposesof convenience, an x-y-z rectangular coordinate system is defined, and,words such as an upper surface, a lower surface, etc. are used on theunderstanding that a positive z direction is an upward direction.

<Analyte Sensor>

First Embodiment

(Analyte Sensor 100)

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the principle of an analytesensor 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the analyte sensor 100 comprises: a detectionelement 110; a reference element 120; a branching section 130; acomputation section 140; a measurement section 150; a selection section160; and a detection amount calculation section 170.

(Detection Element 110)

The detection element 110 includes a detection portion 111 onto which atarget present in an analyte is adsorbed, or which undergoes a change inmass in response to a reaction with the target. For example, thedetection portion 111 can be implemented by immobilizing a reactivegroup having such a reactivity as to allow specific target adsorption ona gold (Au) film which is impervious to the influence of the electricalcharacteristics, such as electrical conductivity, of an analyte. Notethat a target does not necessarily have to be adsorbed in itself. Forexample, a reactive group having such a characteristic as to react onlywith a target, but not to react with a substance other than a targetpresent in an analyte may be immobilized on a Au film. It is preferablethat this Au film is electrically grounded. With this construction, themass of the detection portion 111 is changed in accordance with theamount of a target.

(Reference Element 120)

The reference element 120 includes a reference portion 121 which doesnot adsorb a target or does not react with a target. For example, thereference portion 121 does not have such a reactivity as to allowspecific adsorption of a target present in an analyte or to causesubstitution reaction with a substance contained in an analyte resultingfrom a conformational change. More specifically, use can be made of a Aufilm free of immobilization of the aforementioned reactive group, or acomponent obtained by immobilizing, on a Au film, for example, DNA orRNA which is substantially identical in substance quantity with theaforementioned reactive group, and has a random base sequence. With thisconstruction, the reference portion 121 can be restrained fromundergoing a change in mass, depending upon the amount of a target.

Externally input signals are fed to he detection element 110 and thereference element 120. An input signal fed to the detection element 110passes through the detection portion 111 while undergoing a change inresponse to a mass change in the detection portion 111, and is thenoutputted as a detection signal. Similarly, an input signal fed to thereference element 120 passes through the reference portion 121 whileundergoing a change in response to a mass change in the referenceportion 121, and is then outputted as a reference signal.

The detection signal and the reference signal are each an AC signal,and, the reference signal serves as a signal of reference relative tothe detection signal.

(Branching Section 130)

The branching section 130 includes a first branching portion 131 and asecond branching portion 132. The first branching portion 131, which isconnected to the detection element 110, branches a detection signalresponsive to the change in mass in the detection portion 111 comprisingthe detection element 110 into a first signal and a second signal. Thefirst signal and the second signal are the same in phase. That is, thedetection signal is branched into two identical signals A.

The second branching portion 132 branches a reference signal from thereference element 120 into a third signal and a fourth signal. The thirdsignal is the same in phase as the first signal. The fourth signaldiffers in phase from the first signal excluding differences of 180°. Inthis embodiment, there is a 90° phase difference. In FIG. 1, the thirdsignal is designated by the symbol B, and the fourth signal isdesignated by the symbol B′.

Such first and second branching portions 131 and 132 are constructed ofa splitter, for example. The second branching portion 132 may beimplemented by, after branching a signal line into two in the usual way,making the line length of one of them different from the line length ofthe other.

(Computation Section 140)

The computation section 140 includes a first computation portion 141 anda second computation portion 142.

The first computation portion 141 derives a first measurement signalfrom the first signal A and the third signal B by heterodyne system. Inthis embodiment, the first computation portion 141 obtains a firstmeasurement signal defined by a value obtained by subtracting the thirdsignal B from the first signal A by the heterodyne system.

The second computation portion 142 derives a second measurement signalfrom the second signal A and the fourth signal B′ by the heterodynesystem. In this embodiment, the second computation portion 142 obtains asecond measurement signal defined by a value obtained by subtracting thefourth signal B′ from the second signal A by the heterodyne system.

Such first and second computation portions 141 and 142 are constructedof a mixer and a low-pass filter, for example.

(Measurement Section 150)

The measurement section 150 calculates two first candidate phase changevalues on the basis of the first measurement signal, and determines oneof them as a first phase change value. Likewise, the measurement section150 calculates two second candidate phase change values on the basis ofthe second measurement signal, and determines one of them as a secondphase change value.

Since signal processing operation to obtain the first measurement signaland the second measurement signal is performed by heterodyne system, itfollows that the first and second measurement signals have a sinusoidalwaveform as shown in FIG. 2, wherefore a candidate of a phase changevalue corresponding to voltage strength (output value) y1 takes on twovalues x1 and x2. This candidate phase change value is indicative of aphase difference between a detection signal and a reference signal.

Where the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal areconcerned, two first candidate phase change values x11 and x21 existwith respect to the first measurement signal, and similarly two secondcandidate phase change values x12 and x22 exist with respect to thesecond measurement signal. Among four combinations of a combination ofx11 and x12, a combination of x11 and x22, a combination of x21 and x12,and a combination of x21 and x22, candidate phase change values of acombination of values (phase difference values) closest to each other,are defined as the first phase change value of the first measurementsignal and the second phase change value of the second measurementsignal, respectively. More specifically, a difference between two valuesof each combination is obtained, and, a combination with the smallestdifference is selected. Then, the candidate phase change valuesconstituting the selected combination are defined as the first phasechange value of the first measurement signal and the second phase changevalue of the second measurement signal, respectively. This is based onthe following mechanism.

That is, theory holds that one of two first candidate phase changevalues of the first measurement signal and one of two second candidatephase change values of the second measurement signal are equal. Theseequal values are correct phase change values (the first phase changevalue and the second phase change value). However, in the first andsecond measurement signals obtained by actual measurement, there is apossibility that precisely identical values cannot be obtained due toerror. Therefore, a combination with the smallest difference (orequivalently a combination of values closest to each other) is selectedto determine the first phase change value and the second phase changevalue.

In pertaining signal processing operation by the heterodyne system ashas been conventional, there are two candidate phase change values, thuscausing difficulty in discrimination between the two values, with aconsequent very narrow phase measureable range. In contrast, accordingto the present embodiment, as described above, the use of two detectionsignals (first and second detection signals) makes it possible todetermine a phase change value on the basis of candidate phase changevalues.

(Selection Section 160)

The selection section 160 selects one of two signals composed of thefirst measurement signal and the second measurement signal as ameasurement signal for use in a subsequent process in the detectionamount calculation section 170. Likewise, in a case where the selectedmeasurement signal is the first measurement signal, the first phasechange value is selected as the phase change value, whereas, in a casewhere the selected measurement signal is the second measurement signal,the second phase change value is selected as the phase change value.

More specifically, the following procedure is followed: a locus of thefirst measurement signal and a locus of the second measurement signalare obtained in advance; two signal strengths composed of a strength inpositive sign and a strength in negative sign at the intersection pointsof the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal aredetermined; and one of the first measurement signal and the secondmeasurement signal that falls in between the strengths in positive andnegative signs of two points of intersection is selected as themeasurement signal.

FIG. 3A is a plot showing the loci of the theoretical values of thefirst measurement signal and the second measurement signal. For purposesof convenience, the strength of the first measurement signal isrepresented as V1, the strength of the second measurement signal isrepresented as V2, and the strengths at the intersection points of thelocus of the first measurement signal and the locus of the secondmeasurement signal are represented as Vmax and Vmin, respectively, inorder of decreasing level. Moreover, the locus of the first measurementsignal is indicated by a broken line, whereas the locus of the secondmeasurement signal is indicated by a solid line. Theory holds that thestrengths Vmax and Vmin at the points of intersection are 0.5 times and−0.5 times the maximum levels of the strength V1 and the strength V2,respectively.

Phase values are sectioned, with lines of demarcation drawn at phasevalues at which the first measurement signal and the second measurementsignal exhibit any one of the strengths of two points of intersection.In FIG. 3A, there are shown Sections 1 to 5. Sections 1 to 4 constitutea cycle to be repeated, and Section 1 and Section 5 are identical. As ameasurement signal, the second measurement signal is selected in Section1, the first measurement signal is selected in Section 2, the secondmeasurement signal is selected in Section 3, the first measurementsignal is selected in Section 4, and the second measurement signal isselected in Section 5.

When the first measurement signal is selected as the measurement signal,the first phase change value is defined as a phase change value, and,when the second measurement signal is selected as the measurementsignal, the second phase change value is defined as a phase changevalue.

Or to put it another way, the following conditions are to be fulfilled.

When V1>V2, and V1>Vmax, V2 is selected for the measurement signal.

When V1<V2, and V2>Vmax, V1 is selected for the measurement signal.

When V1<V2, and V1<Vmin, V2 is selected for the measurement signal.

When V1>V2, and V2<Vmin, V1 is selected for the measurement signal.

In a case of V1=V2, any one of them can be selected for the measurementsignal. The loci of measurement signals selected are shown in FIG. 3B.

Selection of a phase change value can be made on the basis of themeasurement signal selected under the aforementioned conditions.

(Detection Amount Calculation Section 170)

Next, in the detection amount calculation section 170, the amount ofdetection of an analyte is determined by calculation using the phasechange value selected through the aforestated procedure. The detectionamount calculation section 170 is connected to the selection section160.

With the construction thus far described, an analyte sensor 100 capableof calculating the amount of detection of a target included in ananalyte can be provided.

In the analyte sensor of the present embodiment, since signal processingoperation is performed by the heterodyne system, the amount of detectionof an analyte can be calculated only with the addition of a mixer forderiving a differential between a detection signal and a referencesignal. Thus, in contrast to the case of adopting the quadraturemodulation system as has been conventional, the analyte sensor does notnecessitate complicated signal processing operation, has fewer necessarycomponents, can be made lower in profile, and succeeds in a reduction incurrent consumption.

Moreover, in a normal heterodyne system, the sign of a phase valuecannot be determined, wherefore measurable phases are limited to a rangeof 0° to 180°. In contrast, according to the analyte sensor 100 of thepresent embodiment, by making a comparison between the first measurementsignal and the second measurement signal in respect of their first andsecond candidate phase change values, the sign of phase can bedetermined on the basis of the candidate phase change values, thusallowing estimation of a phase change value. This makes it possible toattain a wider measurable phase range extending from −180° to 180°.

Continuous monitoring of variations in voltage magnitude in the firstmeasurement signal and the second measurement signal allows measurementseven in a phase range beyond the limit of 180°.

Moreover, since a normal heterodyne system is based on sinusoidalpatterns, the slope of a sine curve decreases with respect to phasedifferences corresponding to 0° and ±180°, which may result in a declinein sensitivity or an increase of error. In contrast, with theaforestated construction, measurement signals defined by steep slopesare used in the entire phase range excluding the portions defined by thegentle slope. This makes it possible to adjust the rate of change involtage to be higher relative to the rate of change in phase, andthereby impart high sensitivity to the analyte sensor 100. This is veryeffective, because, in the analyte sensor, the vicinity of 0° generallycorresponds to a rise of a signal change entailed by target detection,wherefore it is desired that this range should be measured with highsensitivity.

Especially in the aforestated case, since the fourth signal differs inphase from the first to third signals by 90°, it follows that, when thefirst measurement signal poses the lowest sensitivity, the secondmeasurement signal lies in a range that affords highest sensitivity,thus imparting high sensitivity to the analyte sensor 100.

Although the foregoing description deals with the case where thereference signal is branched into the third signal and the fourth signalin a phase-different relation, the detection signal may be branched intothe third signal and the fourth signal. Also, although the descriptiondeals with the case where the fourth signal differs in phase from thefirst signal by 90° as the most effective exemplary, a phase differenceof other degrees than 90°, except 180°, may be adopted instead.

Moreover, the use of two measurement signals (the first measurementsignal and the second measurement signal) as above described enablesnoise determination. This is based on the following mechanism. While themixing of noise into a detection signal or a reference signal may takeplace, it is usually difficult to make a correct judgment about noise.In contrast, according to the analyte sensor 100 of the presentembodiment, when measurements are effected precisely, the voltagemagnitude of one of the first measurement signal and the secondmeasurement signal takes on a value which falls in between the strengthsVmax and Vmin at the point of intersection, whereas the voltagemagnitude of the other takes on a value which lies outside this range.In other words, when both of the first measurement signal and the secondmeasurement signal take on a value which falls within the range or avalue which lies outside the range, it can be judged that noise ispresent. With the capability of correct noise judgment, the analytesensor 100 enables accurate measurements without incurring the influenceof noise.

Thus, there is provided the analyte sensor 100 which is smaller thanever in the number of constituent components and in the number of signalprocessing steps and yet capable of highly accurate detection in a phaserange which is as wide as that for the quadrature modulation system.

(Structure of Analyte Sensor 100A)

Next, referring to FIG. 4, the structure of an analyte sensor 100A whichembodies the principle of the analyte sensor 100 as the first embodimentof the invention will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4 which is a perspective view, from the standpoint ofappearance, the analyte sensor 100A is composed mainly of apiezoelectric substrate 1 and a cover 3. The cover 3 is provided with afirst through hole 18 acting as an inlet for an analyte solution, and anair slot or a second through hole 19 acting as an outlet for an analytesolution.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the analyte sensor 100A, withone-half of the cover 3 removed. As shown in this drawing, inside thecover 3 a space 20 acting as a flow path for an analyte (solution) isformed. The first through hole 18 is in communication with the space 20.That is, an analyte admitted from the first through hole 18 flows intothe space 20.

The analyte solution which has flowed into the space 20 contains atarget which reacts with a detection portion made of, for example, ametal film 7 formed on the piezoelectric substrate 1.

The piezoelectric substrate 1 is constructed of a substrate of singlecrystal having piezoelectric properties such for example as lithiumtantalate (LiTaO3) single crystal, lithium niobate (LiNbO3) singlecrystal, or quartz. The planar shape and dimensions of the piezoelectricsubstrate 1 are determined appropriately. By way of example, thepiezoelectric substrate 1 has a thickness of 0.3 mm to 1 mm.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show sectional views of the analyte sensor 100A. FIG. 6Ais a sectional view taken along the line VIa-VIa shown in FIG. 4, andFIG. 6B is a sectional view taken along the line VIb-VIb shown in FIG.2. FIG. 7 shows a top view of the piezoelectric substrate 1.

As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7, a first detection IDT electrode 5 a, asecond detection IDT electrode 6 a, a first reference IDT electrode 5 b,and a second reference IDT electrode 6 b are formed on the upper surfaceof the piezoelectric substrate 1. The first detection IDT electrode 5 aand the first reference IDT electrode 5 b are intended for production ofpredetermined SAW, and the second detection IDT electrode 6 a and thesecond reference IDT electrode 6 b are intended for reception of SAWgenerated by the first detection IDT electrode 5 a and SAW generated bythe first reference IDT electrode 5 b, respectively. The seconddetection IDT electrode 6 a is located on a path over which SAWgenerated by the first detection IDT electrode 5 a propagates so thatthe second detection IDT electrode 6 a can receive SAW generated by thefirst detection IDT electrode 5 a. The first reference IDT electrode 5 band the second reference IDT electrode 6 b are located in a similar way.

Since the first reference IDT electrode 5 b and the second reference IDTelectrode 6 b are similar to the first detection IDT electrode 5 a andthe second detection IDT electrode 6 a, respectively, in what follows,the first detection IDT electrode 5 a and the second detection IDTelectrode 6 a will be quoted by way of exemplification.

The first detection IDT electrode 5 a and the second detection IDTelectrode 6 a each comprise a pair of comb-like electrodes (refer toFIG. 7). Each comb-like electrode pair includes two bus bars opposed toeach other and a plurality of electrode fingers that extend from one ofthe bus bars toward the other, and from the other bus bar toward the onebus bar. The comb-like electrode pair is located so that a plurality ofthe electrode fingers are arranged in an interdigitated pattern. Thefirst detection IDT electrode 5 a and the second detection IDT electrode6 a constitute a transversal IDT electrode.

The first detection IDT electrode 5 a and the second detection IDTelectrode 6 a are each connected to a pad 9 via a wiring line 8. Asignal is externally inputted to the first detection IDT electrode 5 athrough the pad 9 and the wiring line 8, and, the signal is externallyoutputted from the second detection IDT electrode 6 a.

The first detection IDT electrode 5 a, the second detection IDTelectrode 6 a, the first reference IDT electrode 5 b, the secondreference IDT electrode 6 b, the wiring line 8, and the pad 9 are madeof aluminum (Al) or an alloy of aluminum and copper (Cu), for example.Moreover, the electrodes may have a multilayer structure. In the case ofadopting the multilayer structure, for example, the first layer is madeof titanium (Ti) or chromium (Cr), and the second layer is made ofaluminum or an aluminum alloy.

The first detection IDT electrode 5 a, the second detection IDTelectrode 6 a, the first reference IDT electrode 5 b, and the secondreference IDT electrode 6 b are covered with a protective film 4. Theprotective film 4 is conducive to the protection of each electrode andwiring from oxidation, for example. The protective film 4 is made ofsilicon oxide, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, siliconnitride, or silicon (Si), for example. In the analyte sensor 100A,silicon dioxide (SiO2) is used for the protective film 4.

The protective film 4 is formed over the entire upper surface of thepiezoelectric substrate 1, with the pads 9 left exposed. The firstdetection IDT electrode 5 a and the second detection IDT electrode 6 aare covered with the protective film 4. This makes it possible tosuppress corrosion of the IDT electrodes.

A thickness of the protective film 4 is 100 nm to 10 μm, for example.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the first detection IDT electrode 5 a isaccommodated in a first vibration space 11 a, and the second detectionIDT electrode 6 a is accommodated in a second vibration space 12 a. Thismakes it possible to isolate the first detection IDT electrode 5 a andthe second detection IDT electrode 6 a from outside air and an analytesolution, and thereby protect the first detection IDT electrode 5 a andthe second detection IDT electrode 6 a from a corrosion-inducingsubstance such as water. Moreover, the provision of the first vibrationspace 11 a and the second vibration space 12 a makes it possible toavoid that SAW excitation is seriously hindered in the first detectionIDT electrode 5 a and the second detection IDT electrode 6 a.

The first vibration space 11 a and the second vibration space 12 a canbe formed by joining a plate body 2 having recesses for constitutingthese vibration spaces to the piezoelectric substrate 1.

Likewise, a first vibration space 11 b and a second vibration space 12 bare provided for the first reference IDT electrode 5 b and the secondreference IDT electrode 6 b, respectively.

The plate body 2 has, in a region between the recesses constituting thefirst vibration space 11 a and the second vibration space 12 a, apenetrating part penetrating therethrough in a thickness directionthereof. This penetrating part is provided to form a metal film 7 a onthe SAW propagation path. That is, when the plate body 2 joined to thepiezoelectric substrate 1 is seen in a plan view, the SAW propagationpath for propagating SAW from the first detection IDT electrode 5 a tothe second detection IDT electrode 6 a is, at least partly, exposed fromthe penetrating part, and, the metal film 7 a is formed on this exposedarea.

Likewise, the plate body 2 has, in a region between the recessesconstituting the first vibration space 11 b and the second vibrationspace 12 b, another penetrating part penetrating therethrough in thethickness direction. This penetrating part is provided to form a metalfilm 7 b on the SAW propagation path.

The plate body 2 having such a shape can be formed with use of aphotosensitive resist, for example.

The metal film 7 a left exposed from the penetrating part of the platebody 2 constitutes a detection portion for detecting an analytesolution. The metal film 7 a has a double-layer structure consisting of,for example, chromium and gold deposited in film form on the chromium.An aptamer such for example as a nucleic acid- or peptide-made aptameris immobilized on the surface of the metal film 7 a. Upon contact of ananalyte solution with the aptamer-immobilized metal film 7 a, a specifictarget substance contained in the analyte solution is bound to theaptamer adaptable to the target substance. In such a structure, theanalyte is bound to the aptamer, and, as adsorption proceeds, the massof the metal film 7 a is monotonically increased. That is, there arisesa monotonic increase in mass in response to analyte detection. Note thatthe mass of the metal film 7 a is monotonically increased only duringthe interval when an analyte is being continuously fed onto the metalfilm 7 a. For example, in the case of feeding a buffer solutionsubsequently to the feed of the analyte before and after the feed of theanalyte solution, even if the analyte passes over the metal film 7 a,and a mass reduction is caused by the separation of the analyte from theaptamer, there is no problem.

Moreover, the metal film 7 b left exposed from the other penetratingpart of the plate body 2 constitutes a reference portion. The metal film7 b has a double-layer structure consisting of, for example, chromiumand gold deposited in film form on the chromium. The surface of themetal film 7 a is free of aptamer immobilization as done on the metalfilm 7 a, so that the metal film will not exhibit reactivity to ananalyte. Moreover, the metal film may be subjected to surface treatmentto cause reduced response to an analyte solution for stabilizingpurposes.

In measurements of the properties and so forth of an analyte solution bymeans of SAW, as the first step, a predetermined voltage (signal) isapplied, through the pad 9 and the wiring line 8, to the first detectionIDT electrode 5 a from external measurement equipment. Then, the surfaceof the piezoelectric substrate 1 is excited in the formed area of thefirst detection IDT electrode 5 a, thus producing SAW having apredetermined frequency. Part of the SAW produced passes through theregion between the first detection IDT electrode 5 a and the seconddetection IDT electrode and reaches the second detection IDT electrode 6a. At this time, in the metal film 7 a, the aptamer immobilized on themetal film 7 a is bound to the specific target substance contained inthe analyte, and the weight of the metal film 7 changes correspondingly,which results in variations in the phase characteristics, for example,of the SAW passing under the metal film 7 a. Upon the SAW which hasundergone such characteristics variations reaching the second detectionIDT electrode 6 a, a corresponding voltage is developed in the seconddetection IDT electrode 6 a. This voltage is externally outputtedthrough the wiring line 8 and the pad 9 as a detection signal in theform of an AC signal. Thus, the properties and ingredients of theanalyte solution can be examined by processing the signal in thebranching section 130 and the computation section 140 shown in FIG. 1.

That is, the piezoelectric substrate 1, the metal film 7 a acting as thedetection portion formed on the piezoelectric substrate 1, the firstdetection IDT electrode 5 a, and the second detection IDT electrode 6 aconstitute a detection element 110A.

Likewise, the other metal film 7 b having no immobilized aptamer isdisposed in the same space 20, and, an AC signal outputted from thesecond reference IDT electrode 6 b following the input of a signal fromthe first reference IDT electrode 5 b is defined as a reference signalfor use in correction of signal fluctuations caused by environmentalvariations such as variations in temperature characteristics andhumidity.

That is, the piezoelectric substrate 1, the metal film 7 b acting as thereference portion framed on the piezoelectric substrate 1, the firstreference IDT electrode 5 b, and the second reference IDT electrode 6 bconstitute a reference element 120A.

Although, in this embodiment, one and the same piezoelectric substrate 1is shared between the detection element 110A and the reference element120A, a substrate for detection element (first substrate) and asubstrate for reference element (second substrate) may be separatelyprovided.

For example, the cover 3 is made of polydimethylsiloxane. The use ofpolydimethylsiloxane as the constituent material of the cover 3 makes itpossible to shape the cover 3 into a desired form. Moreover, with use ofpolydimethylsiloxane, the ceiling part and the side wall of the cover 3can be made thick relatively easily. For example, the ceiling part andthe side wall of the cover 3 have a thickness of 1 mm to 5 mm.

As shown in FIG. 7, a reference potential line 31 is connected with oneof the paired comb-like electrodes constituting each of the firstdetection IDT electrode 5 a, the second detection IDT electrode 6 a, thefirst reference IDT electrode 5 b, and the second reference IDTelectrode 6 b. The reference potential line 31 is connected to a pad 9Gso as to serve as a reference potential. Of the paired comb-likeelectrodes constituting each of the first detection IDT electrode 5 a,the second detection IDT electrode 6 a, the first reference IDTelectrode 5 b, and the second reference IDT electrode 6 b, the one to beconnected to the reference potential is located toward the referencepotential line 31. In other words, one of the paired comb-likeelectrodes that is inwardly located is connected to the referencepotential. Such an arrangement makes it possible to suppress signalcrosstalk between the detection element 110A and the reference element120A.

With this construction, it is possible to facilitate the relative layoutof the wiring lines 8 for the detection element 110A and the referenceelement 120A, respectively, as well as to render the wiring lines 8uniform in length. Thus, the reference signal from the reference element120A becomes a more accurate signal for reference purposes.

Second Embodiment

Next, an analyte sensor 100B in accordance with the second embodiment ofthe invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

The foregoing description about the first embodiment deals with the casewhere the analyte sensor 100A makes direct use of signals from thedetection element 110 and the reference element 120. In contrast, asexemplified in FIG. 8, in the analyte sensor 100B of the secondembodiment, a low-noise amplifier 133 may be disposed between thedetection element 110 and the first branching portion 131, as well asbetween the reference element 120 and the second branching portion 132(a first low-noise amplifier 133 a and a second low-noise amplifier 133b).

According to this, high detection accuracy can be attained even underthe following circumstances.

In general, in a SAW sensor, high sensitivity can lead to significantvariations in amplitude characteristics. Accordingly, where the SAWsensor is designed to have higher sensitivity by making adjustment to,for example, the thickness of the protective film 4, a large loss mayoccur, thus causing a failure of accurate measurement. In light of this,the interposition of the low-noise amplifier 133 makes it possible toattain high detection accuracy. Meanwhile, a small signal inputted tothe computation section 140 may cause an increase in noise withconsequent impairment of detection accuracy. In light of this, theinterposition of the low-noise amplifier 133 on a path for input to thecomputation section 140 makes it possible to attain high detectionaccuracy. The low-noise amplifier 133 should preferably be located atthat part of the path for input to the computation section 140 which iscloser to each element 110, 120.

Moreover, a large signal inputted to the detection element 110 and thereference element 120 may cause adverse effects such as crosstalkbetween the signals inputted to the detection element 110 and thereference element 120, respectively, or crosstalk between the inputsignals and another signal. In light of this, the interposition of thelow-noise amplifier 133 on a path for output from the detection element110 as well as the reference element 120 makes it possible to suppresscrosstalk as above described, and thereby attain high detectionaccuracy. Furthermore, a large signal inputted to the detection element110 and the reference element 120 may cause external leakage ofelectromagnetic waves that occurs between the signals inputted to thedetection element 110 and the reference element 120, respectively, orbetween the input signals and another signal. In light of this, theinterposition of the low-noise amplifier 133 on the path for output fromthe detection element 110 as well as the reference element 120 makes itpossible to suppress the external leakage of electromagnetic waves asabove described, and thereby attain high detection accuracy.

<Analyte Sensing Method>

The following describes an analyte sensing method in accordance with theembodiment of the invention.

(Analyte Solution Supply Step)

At first, there is carried out an analyte solution supply step offeeding an analyte containing a target to the detection portioncomprising the detection element that undergoes a change in mass inresponse to target adsorption or reaction with the target, and thereference portion of the reference element that does not adsorb thetarget or does not react with the target.

(Branching Step)

Next, one of a detection signal which is an AC signal responsive to thechange in mass in the detection portion and a reference signal which isan AC signal from the reference portion is branched into a first signaland a second signal that are the same in phase, and, the other signal ofthe detection signal and the reference signal is branched into a thirdsignal which is the same in phase as the first signal, and a fourthsignal which differs in phase from the first signal excludingdifferences of 180°.

Although the fourth signal may differ in phase from the first signal byany given degrees excluding differences of ±180°, a ±90° phasedifference is desirable.

It is preferable that, prior to the aforestated branching step, thedetection signal and the reference signal are each amplified.

(First Computation Step)

Next, a first measurement signal is derived from the first signal andthe third signal by heterodyne system.

In effecting computation based on the heterodyne system, either a way tosubtract the third signal from the first signal or a way to subtract thefirst signal from the third signal may be adopted.

(Second Computation Step)

Similarly, a second measurement signal is derived from the second signaland the fourth signal by the heterodyne system.

In effecting computation based on the heterodyne system, as is the casewith the aforestated first computation step, either a way to subtractthe fourth signal from the second signal or a way to subtract the secondsignal from the fourth signal may be adopted.

(Measurement Step)

Next, two first candidate phase change values are calculated from thefirst measurement signal, and two second candidate phase change valuesare calculated from the second measurement signal. Then, amongcombinations of the first and second candidate phase change values, acombination of the first candidate phase change value and the secondcandidate phase change value that are closest to each other isdetermined, and, the first candidate phase change value and the secondcandidate phase change value of the determined combination are definedas a first phase change value and a second phase change value,respectively.

(Selection Step)

Next, signal strengths of two points of intersection between the firstmeasurement signal and the second measurement signal are obtained inadvance, and, from the first measurement signal and the secondmeasurement signal, a measurement signal that falls in between thestrengths of two points of intersection is selected. Similarly, from thefirst phase change value and the second phase change value, a phasechange value corresponding to the measurement signal is selected.

(Detection Amount Calculation Step)

The amount of detected analyte is determined by calculation using thephase change value selected in the selection step.

The analyte detection amount can be measured by following the procedurethus far described.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments as described heretofore,and may therefore be carried into effect in various forms.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B for example, the detectionsensor of the foregoing embodiments is so designed that signal strengthsof two points of intersection between the first measurement signal andthe second measurement signal are obtained in advance, and from thefirst and second measurement signals, a measurement signal that falls inbetween the strengths of two points of intersection is selected. In thealternative, the sensor may be so designed that from the first phasechange value and the second phase change value, a phase change valuethat is closer to a predetermined reference value in terms of signaloutput value (for example, V1, V2) is selected. According to this, notonly it is possible to provide the same effects as achieved in theforegoing embodiments, but it is also possible to determine a phasechange value to be selected on the basis of the predetermined referencevalue. For example, a midpoint between the aforestated strengths of twopoints of intersection, or a value of 0 (zero) may be set as thereference value. In the case of adopting the loci of the theoreticalvalues as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the midpoint between the strengthsof two points of intersection that serves as the reference value takeson a value of zero. Note that the reference value is not limited to themidpoint between the strengths of two points of intersection, but may beset at any given appropriate value to obtain a measurement signal whichaffords high sensitivity in consideration of the first measurementsignal and the second measurement signal.

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3A and 3B for example, in the detectionsensor of the foregoing embodiments, in the second branching portion132, the third signal is the same in phase as the first signal, and thefourth signal differs in phase from the first signal by 90°. However,the way of setting the phases of the first to fourth signals is notlimited to this, and it is sufficient that the phase setting is made sothat the first measurement signal and the second measurement signalexhibit a phase difference of a value other than ±180°. For example, inan analyte sensor 100C as exemplified in FIG. 9, the first signal andthe second signal are the same in phase, and, the third signal differsin phase from the first signal by −45°, and the fourth signal differs inphase from the first signal by +45°. Also in this case, the same effectsas achieved by the analyte sensor of the foregoing embodiments can beprovided.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1 for example, in the detection sensor of theforegoing embodiments, the first branching portion 131 and the secondbranching portion 132 are each adapted to effect signal branching toobtain two signals. In the alternative, each of the first branchingportion 131 and the second branching portion 132 may be adapted toeffect branching to obtain three or more signals. For example, in ananalyte sensor 100D as exemplified in FIG. 10, each of the firstbranching portion 131 and the second branching portion 132 effectsbranching to obtain three signals. In this case, two, respectively, ofall the signals obtained are used to obtain three measurement signals ofvarying phase differences by heterodyne system. This makes it possibleto provide the same effects as achieved by the aforestated detectionsensor. In addition, in this case, even if a range defined by the gentleslope is wide, in other words, even if a range in which measurements canbe made with high sensitivity is narrow, in respect of each of the threemeasurement signals, since a measurement signal corresponding to a rangeof higher sensitivity can be selected from among the three measurementsignals, it is possible to prevent a decline in sensitivity moreeffectively.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1 for example, the detection sensor of theforegoing embodiments is provided with a single detection element 110and a single reference element 120, and the single detection element 110is connected to the first branching portion 131, and the singlereference element 120 is connected to the second branching portion 132.In the alternative, as exemplified in FIG. 11, an analyte sensor 100E isprovided with two or more detection elements and reference elements, andthe two or more detection elements 110 a and 110 b are connected to thefirst branching portion 131, and the two or more reference elements 120a and 120 b are connected to the second branching portion 132. In thiscase, the first branching portion 131 is designed to be selectivelyconnectable to one of the two or more detection elements 110 a and 110 bby a switch 136 a, and the second branching portion is designed to beselectively connectable to one of the two or more reference elements 120a and 120 b by a switch 136 b. This makes it possible to detect two ormore to-be-detected targets at one time without the necessity ofmodifying the configurations of the sections located downstream of thebranching section 130, that is; with a single analyte. Moreover, as seenfrom the configurations of respective switches 135 and 136 shown in FIG.11, for example, the first branching portion and the second branchingportion are each made connectable to either of the detection element andthe reference element. In another alternative, there are provided threedetection elements and a single reference element. In this case, so longas one of the first branching portion and the second branching portionis made connectable to the reference element, there is no particularlimitation as to which one of the three detection elements is connectedwith the other, and the selection of the detection element is made inaccordance with the type of a target to be detected or the number ofto-be-detected targets.

Moreover, although the detection sensor of the foregoing embodiments hasbeen illustrated as being designed so that one and the same substratehaving piezoelectricity is shared between the detection element 110A andthe reference element 120A, an element substrate for the detectionelement 110A and a second substrate for the reference element 120A maybe separately provided. In this case, signal crosstalk between thedetection element 110A and the reference element 120A can be suppressed.In such a case, it is advisable to prepare an additional base body forholding the element substrate and the second substrate.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   1: Piezoelectric substrate    -   2: Plate body    -   3: Cover    -   4: Protective film    -   5 a: First detection IDT electrode    -   5 b: First reference IDT electrode    -   6 a: Second detection IDT electrode    -   6 b: Second reference IDT electrode    -   7 a, 7 b: Metal film    -   8: Wiring line    -   9: Pad    -   11 a, 11 b: First vibration space    -   12 a, 12 b: Second vibration space    -   20: Space    -   31: Reference potential line    -   100, 100A, B, C, D, E: Analyte Sensor    -   110: Detection element    -   111: Detection portion    -   120: Reference element    -   121: Reference portion    -   130: Branching section    -   131: First branching portion    -   132: Second branching portion    -   133: Low-noise amplifier    -   135 a, b, c, d: Element-side switch    -   136 a, b: Branching section-side switch    -   140: Computation section    -   141: First computation portion    -   142: Second computation portion    -   150: Measurement section    -   160: Selection section    -   170: Detection amount calculation section.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An analyte sensor, comprising: a detectionsignal output portion which outputs a detection signal which changes inresponse to adsorption of a target contained in an analyte or toreaction with the target; a reference signal output portion whichoutputs a reference signal which serves as a reference signal relativeto the detection signal; a branching section which branches one of thedetection signal and the reference signal into a first signal and asecond signal, and branches the other signal of the detection signal andthe reference signal into a third signal and a fourth signal; acomputation section which includes a first computation portion whichderives a first measurement signal from the first signal and the thirdsignal by heterodyne system, and a second computation portion whichderives a second measurement signal from the second signal and thefourth signal by heterodyne system, the second measurement signal beingdifferent in phase-difference (excluding phase differences of ±180°)from the first measurement signal; a measurement section whichcalculates two first candidate phase change values from the firstmeasurement signal and calculates two second candidate phase changevalues from the second measurement signal, defines a combination of afirst phase change value and a second phase change value which arevalues determined as being closest in phase-difference to each otherfrom among the two first candidate phase change values and the twosecond candidate phase change values; and a selection section whichselects one of the first phase change value and the second phase changevalue as a phase change value.
 2. The analyte sensor according to claim1, wherein the selection section is configured to select from the firstphase change value and the second phase change value, one which isderived from one of the first measurement signal and the secondmeasurement signal whose value is closer to a reference value than theother's, as the phase change value.
 3. The analyte sensor according toclaim 1, wherein the selection section is configured to select from thefirst phase change value and the second phase change value, one whichfalls in between strengths at two points of intersection of a locus ofthe first measurement signal and a locus of the second measurementsignal, as the phase change value.
 4. The analyte sensor according toclaim 1, wherein the branching section is configured to produce thefirst signal to the fourth signal at least one of which differs in phase(excluding phase differences of ±180°) from the other signals.
 5. Theanalyte sensor according to claim 1, wherein the detection signal outputportion comprises a first substrate having piezoelectricity, a detectionportion which is located on the first substrate and changes in responseto adsorption of the target or to reaction with the target, a firstdetection IDT electrode which is located on the first substrate and isconfigured to produce a first elastic wave toward the detection portion,and a second detection IDT electrode which is located on the firstsubstrate and is configured to receive the first elastic wave which haspassed through the detection portion.
 6. The analyte sensor according toclaim 5, wherein the detection signal is an AC signal which is obtainedby receiving the first elastic wave which has passed through thedetection portion, by the second detection IDT electrode.
 7. The analytesensor according to claim 5, wherein the reference signal output portioncomprises a second substrate having piezoelectricity, a referenceportion which is located on the second substrate and does not adsorb thetarget or does not react with the target, a first reference IDTelectrode which is located on the second substrate and is configured toproduce a second elastic wave toward the reference portion, and a secondreference IDT electrode which is located on the second substrate and isconfigured to receive the second elastic wave which has passed thereference portion.
 8. The analyte sensor according to claim 7, whereinthe reference signal is an AC signal which is obtained by receiving thesecond elastic wave which has passed through the reference portion, bythe second reference IDT electrode.
 9. The analyte sensor according toclaim 7, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate areintegrally formed with each other, further comprising a referencepotential line located between a detection element region where thedetection portion, the first detection IDT electrode and the seconddetection IDT electrode are disposed, and a reference element regionwhere the reference portion, the first reference IDT electrode and thesecond reference IDT electrode are disposed.
 10. The analyte sensoraccording to claim 9, wherein the first detection IDT electrode, thesecond detection IDT electrode, the first reference IDT electrode andthe second reference IDT electrode are each composed of a pair ofcomb-like electrodes, and one of the pair of comb-like electrode isconnected to the reference potential line.
 11. The analyte sensoraccording to claim 1, further comprising: a first low-noise amplifierwhich is located between the detection signal output portion and thebranching section and is configured to amplify the detection signal fromthe detection signal output portion; and a second low-noise amplifierwhich is located between the reference signal output portion and thebranching section and is configured to amplify the reference signal fromthe reference signal output portion.
 12. The analyte sensor according toclaim 1, wherein the computation section is configured to continuouslymeasure the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal.13. The analyte sensor according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of thedetection signal output portions and/or the reference signal outputportions are provided.
 14. The analyte sensor according to claim 1,wherein a plurality of branching sections are provided.
 15. The analytesensor according to claim 14, further comprising a switch which isselectively connectable between the detection signal output portion andthe branching section and between the reference signal output portionand the branching section.
 16. The analyte sensor according to claim 1,wherein the branching section is configured to branch the detectionsignal into three or more signals and to branch the reference signalinto three or more signals.
 17. The analyte sensor according to claim16, wherein the computation section is configured to derive by theheterodyne system three or more measurement signals from any one of thethree or more signals branched from the detection signal and from anyone of the three or more signals branched from the reference signal. 18.An analyte sensing method, comprising: an analyte supply step of feedingan analyte with a target to a detection signal output portion whichoutputs a detection signal which changes in response to adsorption ofthe target or to reaction with the target, and a reference signal outputportion which outputs a reference signal which serves as a referencesignal relative to the detection signal; a branching step of branchingone of the detection signal and the reference signal into a first signaland a second signal and branching the other of the detection signal andthe reference signal into a third signal and a fourth signal; a firstcomputation step of deriving a first measurement signal from the firstsignal and the third signal by heterodyne system; a second computationstep of deriving a second measurement signal from the second signal andthe fourth signal by heterodyne system, the second measurement signalbeing different in phase-difference (excluding phase differences of±180°) from the first measurement signal; a measurement step ofcalculating two first candidate phase change values from the firstmeasurement signal, calculating two second candidate phase change valuesfrom the second measurement signal, and defining a combination of afirst phase change value and a second phase change value which arevalues determined as being closest in phase-difference to each otherfrom among the two first candidate phase change values and the twosecond candidate phase change values; and a selection step of selectingone of the first phase change value and the second phase change value asa phase change value.
 19. The analyte sensing method according to claim18, wherein in the selection step, from the first phase change value andthe second phase change value, one which is derived from one of thefirst measurement signal and the second measurement signal whose valueis closer to a reference value than the other's, is selected as thephase change value.
 20. The analyte sensing method according to claim18, wherein in the selection step, from the first phase change value andthe second phase change value, one which falls in between strengths attwo points of intersection of a locus of the first measurement signaland a locus of the second measurement signal, is selected as the phasechange value.
 21. The analyte sensing method according to claim 18,wherein in the first computation step, the first measurement signal iscontinuously measured, and wherein in the second computation step, thesecond measurement signal is continuously measured.
 22. The analytesensing method according to claim 18, wherein in the branching step, thedetection signal is branched into three or more signals, and thereference signal is branched into three or more signals.
 23. The analytesensing method according to claim 22, wherein in a computation stepincluding the first computation step and the second computation step,three or more measurement signals are derived by the heterodyne systemfrom any one of the three or more signals branched from the detectionsignal and from any one of the three or more signals branched from thereference signal.